The death of an 11-year-old For Myers boy, Michael Duda, was confirmed by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Duda apparently died after he feel off a boat near Plantation Key. Investigators say Duda was riding in the 17-foot boat when the operator mae a sharp turn, throwing Duda overboard and causing him to be struck by an oncoming vessel. Apparently, the operator of the vessel was 16-year-old at the time of the accident. Neither he nor two other passengers were injured.

This child’s death is a tragedy for his family and his community. The other four passengers are extremely lucky. Boating can be fun and a great way to enjoy the outdoors during these typically hot summer months. However, because you do not need to have a state issued driver’s license to operate a boat, many inexperienced drivers get behind the wheel of such powerful devices. Parents and guardians need to warn their children about the dangers of boating, inform them of the important of safety vests, and instill necessary precautions at a young age in their children’s lives.